Help Us Get A Car
Donation protected
Hello all!
Caleb and I are looking to raise funds for this specific need that we have.
We're in our third year of living in Antalya, Turkey. Caleb works full-time for a B.A.M. coffee roastery as head roaster and manager, and I teach art part-time for TCK’s at Saint Paul’s Cultural Center downtown. I also organize Creative Collective Antalya, a group of artists that meet bi-monthly in order to connect and work together on creative projects. I also started a new chapter for CreativeMornings, a monthly international lecture series; we started here just three months ago! I’m also involved with organizing a contemplative prayer service that meets weekly in the city. I have additionally recently been accepted to an online Master of Social Work program through Ohio State University. This program will allow me to do my field placement at a local counseling center that serves workers in this part of the world. Needless to say, our hearts are full, and are our plates are, too!
Amidst our love for this city and eagerness to connect with its local and international communities, we have faced some significant financial challenges. We are here independently, not with an organization. Since Caleb is half-Turkish and has citizenship, he works as a normal Turkish employee, earning a salary in Turkish Lira (currently approximately 1/7 of the USD). I receive a small stipend for my teaching, but the rest of my work is entirely volunteer based. Together, our monthly salary adds up to about 900 USD. Thankfully the cost of living here is lower, but between living costs and paying off our education loans from the U.S, we are unable to put away savings of any substantial amount.
Transportation has particularly proved to be a challenge. Caleb works on the opposite side of town from where I currently work and where I will be doing my field placement next winter. The local transportation system here is not well developed; it can take up to two hours to get across the city by bus. We most often use our bikes to get around town, but our commutes are about one hour, and with the rainy season limiting us in the winter and temperatures above 100F limiting us in the summer, it has been a challenge. This is why we are looking to raise funds for a vehicle. We see that a car will help us manage our responsibilities and desires to give ourselves to our jobs and this city in a more sustainable way.
Since we are not here with an organization, we are looking back to our communities in the US to help us financially with this need. We have already saved 3,000 USD to put towards this investment. We need to raise an additional 7,000 USD. Cars, are unfortunately expensive in Turkey due to taxes (for just a small 1.6 Liter engine, taxes start at %45!) According to our research, 10,000 USD will afford us a 7-12 year-old car with between 75-100k miles on it. We are currently looking at makes like Hyundai, Toyota, Suzuki, Daihatsu, and the like for affordable, high-gas-mileage options.
We are looking to raise the funds by July 1st, 2020, as the summer will bring a busier season with Caleb's business officially launching next month.
Thank you so much for your time and support. Any and all donations are much appreciated!
With love and gratitude,
Megan and Caleb
Caleb and I are looking to raise funds for this specific need that we have.
We're in our third year of living in Antalya, Turkey. Caleb works full-time for a B.A.M. coffee roastery as head roaster and manager, and I teach art part-time for TCK’s at Saint Paul’s Cultural Center downtown. I also organize Creative Collective Antalya, a group of artists that meet bi-monthly in order to connect and work together on creative projects. I also started a new chapter for CreativeMornings, a monthly international lecture series; we started here just three months ago! I’m also involved with organizing a contemplative prayer service that meets weekly in the city. I have additionally recently been accepted to an online Master of Social Work program through Ohio State University. This program will allow me to do my field placement at a local counseling center that serves workers in this part of the world. Needless to say, our hearts are full, and are our plates are, too!
Amidst our love for this city and eagerness to connect with its local and international communities, we have faced some significant financial challenges. We are here independently, not with an organization. Since Caleb is half-Turkish and has citizenship, he works as a normal Turkish employee, earning a salary in Turkish Lira (currently approximately 1/7 of the USD). I receive a small stipend for my teaching, but the rest of my work is entirely volunteer based. Together, our monthly salary adds up to about 900 USD. Thankfully the cost of living here is lower, but between living costs and paying off our education loans from the U.S, we are unable to put away savings of any substantial amount.
Transportation has particularly proved to be a challenge. Caleb works on the opposite side of town from where I currently work and where I will be doing my field placement next winter. The local transportation system here is not well developed; it can take up to two hours to get across the city by bus. We most often use our bikes to get around town, but our commutes are about one hour, and with the rainy season limiting us in the winter and temperatures above 100F limiting us in the summer, it has been a challenge. This is why we are looking to raise funds for a vehicle. We see that a car will help us manage our responsibilities and desires to give ourselves to our jobs and this city in a more sustainable way.
Since we are not here with an organization, we are looking back to our communities in the US to help us financially with this need. We have already saved 3,000 USD to put towards this investment. We need to raise an additional 7,000 USD. Cars, are unfortunately expensive in Turkey due to taxes (for just a small 1.6 Liter engine, taxes start at %45!) According to our research, 10,000 USD will afford us a 7-12 year-old car with between 75-100k miles on it. We are currently looking at makes like Hyundai, Toyota, Suzuki, Daihatsu, and the like for affordable, high-gas-mileage options.
We are looking to raise the funds by July 1st, 2020, as the summer will bring a busier season with Caleb's business officially launching next month.
Thank you so much for your time and support. Any and all donations are much appreciated!
With love and gratitude,
Megan and Caleb
Organizer
Megan McCrary
Organizer
Sevierville, TN